SAT/ACT scores

The information below is for U.S. freshman applicants only. International freshman applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.

SAT or ACT?

The UW accepts the SAT and ACT equally. There is absolutely no advantage in submitting one test over the other. If an applicant submits scores from both tests, national concordance tables determine which scores are relatively higher.

Writing required?

No, the writing portion for either the SAT or ACT is not required.

Superscoring

Yes, UW superscores the SAT and ACT. Superscoring refers to the practice of taking the student’s best section scores across all exam sittings to combine for the best overall score. Superscoring does not include the Writing score, which is not considered in the admission decision.

We will superscore among a student’s old sitting (pre-March 2016) and — separately — a student’s new SAT sittings (March 2016 and after). However, we will not superscore between new and old versions of the SAT, because the exams are not constructed the same way.

Subject Tests required?

No, Subject Tests are not required and will not be used for admission consideration.

Submitting scores

Test scores will be considered valid and official only if they are sent directly from the testing agency to the UW. Scores coming from a source other than the testing agency, such as your high school, are not official. If you are unable to provide test scores, you may include a petition with your application to be considered for admission without test scores.

How to request scores

The easiest way is to request that the UW receive your scores at the time you register for the test. After you have taken the test, you may still request that scores be sent by clicking the links below and following the instructions provided.

When to submit scores

Applicants for summer or autumn 2019 are required to have official test scores sent directly to the UW from the testing agency no later than December 31, 2018.

Putting tests in perspective

We caution students and their families against placing too much emphasis on standardized tests. Taking either test more than twice is probably a waste of time and money — as well as a source of unnecessary stress.

See the holistic review section for more information about the factors considered in freshman admission.